What does streptomyces mean?
Streptomyces is a large genus of bacteria that lives chiefly in soil and on other organic material. Its members are notable for their branching, filamentous growth and their extraordinary capacity to produce chemical compounds. These organisms have supplied antibiotics including streptomycin, as well as enzymes and other substances used in medicine, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. The name combines roots meaning “twisted” and “fungus,” reflecting the intertwined appearance of their filaments, although they are bacteria rather than fungi. Researchers continue to study Streptomyces because its genes and chemical pathways yield many useful natural products, while some species also contribute to the characteristic smell of soil after rain. In scientific writing, the genus name is capitalized and italicized, with the plural form streptomycetes used for multiple members.
nounA genus of soil-dwelling bacteria that typically grow as branching filaments. Many species produce antibiotics and other biologically useful compounds, making the genus important in medicine and biotechnology.
- A genus of bacteria in the order Streptomycetales, whose members commonly inhabit soil and other organic-rich environments.
- Any bacterium belonging to this genus, often discussed because of the antibiotics or enzymes it produces.
"Researchers sequenced the genome of Streptomyces coelicolor to investigate how it produces antibiotics."
"The antibiotic factory contains a strain of Streptomyces that produces a compound active against resistant bacteria."
"Scientists discovered that a newly identified Streptomyces could break down plastic waste under aerobic conditions."
Used for multiple organisms belonging to the genus; the scientific genus name itself normally remains singular.
"Several Streptomycetes were isolated from soil samples collected in the region."
Some Streptomyces bacteria create the earthy smell of soil after rain and have yielded antibiotics that transformed medicine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of streptomyces
Streptomyces is a modern scientific name formed in New Latin from Greek streptos, meaning “twisted” or “curved,” and mykēs, meaning “fungus.” The “twisted” element refers to the characteristic branching or intertwined arrangement of the bacteria's filaments. Its relatives in the taxonomic order share the prefix strepto-, while words such as streptomycin and mycology ultimately derive from the same Greek roots.
Related word forms
How streptomyces is actually used
As a taxonomic name, Streptomyces is treated as a proper noun and conventionally italicized. The singular genus name refers to the genus or to an organism within it; streptomycetes is the usual plural when referring to multiple organisms in the genus.